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Being bitten by a dog, whether you know the animal or not, can be a terrifying experience. In addition to physical injuries, it can leave you with lasting psychological trauma. If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog, our law firm can help.
While you focus on your physical and emotional recovery, our Gastonia dog bite lawyer can build the strongest possible case for financial recovery. Our client-focused team at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, will never stop fighting for you. We will identify the dog’s owner, prove the extent and cost of your injuries, and fight hard for the compensation you need and deserve.
What You Need to Know About North Carolina Dog Bite Laws
Every state has its own laws that govern dog ownership and financial liability for any harm a dog causes. In North Carolina, G.S. § 67-4.1 defines a dangerous dog as one who has seriously or fatally injured another person without provocation, as well as has a previous animal control history.
A potentially dangerous dog, as animal control authorities describe, has previously bitten someone, causing severe injuries, or approached another person in a menacing manner.
G.S. § 67-4.4 holds dog owners strictly liable for their animals. According to the statute, the owner can be held liable for damages to your person and property. When our personal injury lawyer takes on your case, we can help you fight for financial recovery.
How Our Dog Bite Lawyer Proves Your Right to Financial Recovery
The days and weeks following a dog bite can be frightening. When our law firm represents you, we may take all these actions to bolster and support your case:
- Listen to your version of events with compassion
- Explain North Carolina law and its impact on your case
- Collect physical evidence and supporting documents
- Locate and interview lay and expert witnesses
- Obtain, complete, and submit insurance claim forms
We can handle the settlement negotiation process and provide you with ongoing updates as your case progresses. If we cannot resolve your case with a financial settlement, we will not hesitate to take it to court.
Get Started at No Upfront or Out-Of-Pocket Costs
You should not have to wait for legal support when you need it most or take on the dog’s owner and their insurer on your own. Our dog bite attorney will accept your case on a contingency fee basis. This means we will cover all the expenses of your case and will not expect or accept compensation unless and until we recover it for you.
Possible Compensation for Your Damages After a Dog Bite in Gastonia
A dog bite can leave you with a plethora of recoverable damages. Many of them will be economic damages that can be substantiated with receipts and bills. Our law firm will collect the documents that support your recovery of the following:
- Current and future medical bills
- Current and future lost income
- Treatment-related travel expenses
Our dog bite lawyer serving Gastonia may also request compensation for non-economic damages. These losses are intangible, can be difficult to substantiate on your own, and include physical disability and disfigurement, pain and suffering, mental and emotional anguish, and diminished quality of life.
Recovering Damages for Future Medical Care
Assessing the damages you are entitled to recover after a dog bite can be complicated since you could require care for years after the bite occurred and even after your case settles. Once it does, you cannot request additional compensation, which makes getting it right the first time critical.
When our legal team takes on your case, we can accurately assess your damages, including future medical care for disfiguring injuries and long-term medical expenses.
Wrongful Death Damages When a Dog Bit Is Fatal
A dog bite can be fatal. If your family lost a loved one due to a dog bite, you have our deepest condolences and our commitment to helping your family recover compensation from the animal’s owner. Wrongful death damages for your family can include:
- The costs of your loved one’s funeral and burial
- Loss of your loved one’s financial support
- Loss of your loved one’s domestic assistance
- Loss of consortium and companionship
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we know no nothing can atone for your family’s loss, but your family is entitled to appropriate compensation, and we can work hard to obtain it for you.
The Statute of Limitations on Dog Bites Lawsuits
In Gastonia, you have a limited time to file a lawsuit against the owner of the dog that bit you or your loved one. In general:
- North Carolina law gives you up to three years to file your personal injury lawsuit, according to G.S. § 1-52.
- If a family member lost their life in a dog bite or attack, you generally have two years to file your wrongful death lawsuit, according to G.S. § 1-53.
The age of the injured party can create a change in the filing deadline. If you are the parent of a minor who was bitten by a dog, our legal team will explain how the filing deadline fluctuates to allow you to pursue compensation on their behalf.
Call Our Team to Start Building Your Gastonia Dog Bite Case Today
If you or someone you love was injured by a dog bite, you do not have to pursue the dog’s owner on your own. Our Gastonia dog bite lawyer will deal with the insurance company and handle all the details of your case for you.
You can recover financial compensation for your medical bills and related expenses and losses. Contact Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, today to get started in a free consultation.
